Description

G. J. Oliver provides a new assessment of the economic history of Athens in the Hellenistic era, when the city was no longer an imperial power and struggled to maintain its territory, both at home in Attica and overseas in the cleruchies. Oliver assesses how political and military change affected the fragile economies of the Athenian polis. Warfare in Attica required the Athenians to protect their domestic grain supply and seek out those beyond the city to provide commodities from abroad. Oliver stresses the economic importance of benefaction and civic honours, and shows how much the citizens of Athens contributed to the defence and finances of their city.show more

Review quote

Oliver's analysis will not only become an indispensable resource for this period of Athenian history, but it also serves as a model by which to examine other Hellenistic poleis... Michael D. Dixon Bryn Mawr Classical Review Oliver's contribution succeeds in painting a nuanced picture of the uncertainties caused by the decline of Athenian strength relative to that of the new Great Powers of the Hellenistic period. Walter Scheidel, Times Literary Supplementshow more

About G J Oliver

G. J. Oliver is Lecturer in Ancient Greek Culture at Liverpool University.show more